Sweet heat!

I would be lying  if I said I love winter, all the snow, and settling in that one may do. I don't hate it, but 2 months, and I'm done. I'm already thinking about spring and all the changes that may come next year, but then Avery had a request last night. "Mommy can we have hot chocolate by the fire"? Somehow, winter doesn't seem so bad anymore, so I pulled out thee old stand by.

She was a little bit excited........just a little.

We set up picnic style......

And enjoyed two cups of brew.

Almost.

Ovaltine is OK, and I appreciate the nutrition aspect, but lets face it, nothing is better than making your own hot coco, and smelling the rich chocolate tempt your taste buds. It's cold, it snowed a 16th of- an- inch today, so tonight, I'm making Sweet heat hot coco ; and asking Avery to sit by the fire.

The process

Heat the milk

Along with your spices

Pour in your chocolate

Whisk until smooth

Last in is sugar

But don't forget the vanilla

Now strain the coco

Heaven in a cup

Sweet Heat Hot Coco

Ingredients: (serves 3)

1 1/2 cups non fat milk

1 cup non fat half-and-half

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon(plus extra for dusting)

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 oz quality bittersweet chocolate

2 oz quality milk chocolate

whipped cream(optional)

Directions:

Heat milk and half-and-half over medium heat with Cinnamon stick and ground Cinnamon; bring to almost simmering. Pull off heat, add chocolate and whisk until melted; add sugar and vanilla; stir until dissolved. Pour hot chocolate mixture over a fine strainer into a bowl with spout. Add your favorite topping or drink this delicious, velvety, smooth indulgence just like it is.

Our cups were upgraded......

And our cinnamon sticks had purpose.

Now that's what I call Sweet heat!